Rick Berkobien is the manager of the Committee Services office at the Capitol. When the legislators form committees dedicated to the research and consideration of proposed bills, he assigns staff from his office to each of the committees. They provide non-partisan, legislative oversight assistance — everything from keeping the agenda at legislative hearings to poring over maps during the redistricting sessions. Committee Services staff also make sure the bills get to the right chamber on schedule. So, basically, as Rick puts it, “We are the glue that holds everything together.”

Rick has been at the Capitol for 12 years, originating as an administrator on the Health and Human Services committee. As Committee Services manager, he does a lot of supervision and preparation for the sessions, but he still sits in on committees whenever necessary. Committee Services staff work very closely with the legislators and, as a result, he says they get to know them pretty well.

What would you like to ask the manager of Committee Services at the Capitol?